It’s a heart-stopping moment. You’re ready to head home after a long day, but when you try to turn the key in the ignition, it won’t budge. Your key is stuck fast and no matter how much you wiggle it, it just won’t turn. Don’t panic though – a stuck key is a common problem and there are a few things you can try to get back on the road.
What causes a key to get stuck in the ignition?
There are a few reasons why your key might suddenly decide it doesn’t want to come out to play anymore:
- Your steering wheel lock is engaged: Many cars have a steering wheel lock that activates when you turn the wheel after removing the key. If you’ve turned the wheel too far, it can trap the key in the ignition.
- Your car isn’t in park: If you have an automatic, your car needs to be in park or neutral before you can remove the key. If the shifter isn’t sitting properly in park, it can prevent the key from turning.
- Dirt and grime buildup: Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the ignition cylinder, causing the key to stick.
- A damaged or worn-out key: If your key is old and worn, it may not align properly with the pins in the ignition cylinder, causing it to get stuck.
How to get a stuck key out of the ignition
Before you start imagining worst-case scenarios, try these simple tips to free your key:
- Jiggle the key: A bit of gentle jiggling can be enough to jostle a stuck key loose, especially if the problem is caused by a dirty ignition cylinder.
- Turn the wheel: If your steering wheel lock is engaged, try turning the wheel in the opposite direction while simultaneously jiggling the key.
- Check the gear shifter: If your car is an automatic, make sure the shifter is sitting properly in park. Gently shake the shifter while turning the key.
- Spray in some WD-40: A quick blast of trusty WD-40 into the ignition cylinder can help lubricate the pins and free a stuck key.
If none of these tricks work, it’s time to call in reinforcements. A professional mechanic will be able to diagnose the underlying issue and get you back on the road with a minimum of fuss.
What’s involved in repairing a stuck ignition?
If your key is stuck thanks to a worn out ignition cylinder, the cylinder will need to be either repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage. This involves removing the cylinder from the steering column and either rebuilding it with new pins and springs, or replacing it entirely.
If you’ve broken your key off in the ignition, the mechanic will first need to remove the broken piece before addressing any damage to the cylinder. This is done using special tools to grasp the broken key without damaging the inside of the cylinder.
How much does it cost to repair a stuck ignition in New Zealand?
The cost to repair a stuck ignition can vary depending on the make and model of your car, and the underlying cause of the problem. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay somewhere between $120 to $500 for ignition repairs in New Zealand.
At the lower end, if you just need a new key cut and programmed, you’ll be looking at around $120 to $250. If the ignition cylinder needs to be replaced, the cost will be higher, usually somewhere between $250 to $500 including labour.
Get fast, convenient ignition repairs with My Auto Shop
When your key refuses to turn and you find yourself stranded, the last thing you want to do is arrange to get your car towed to a workshop. That’s where My Auto Shop’s mobile mechanics come in handy.
Our network of experienced, fully qualified mechanics will come to you, whether you’re at home or stuck in the office car park. They’ll diagnose the problem on the spot and in most cases, get you back on the road without you ever having to set foot in a workshop.
We offer upfront, transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying before any work begins. And all repairs are covered by our comprehensive 10,000km warranty, so you can drive away with complete peace of mind.
If your key is stuck in the ignition, don’t let it ruin your day. Get in touch with the mobile mechanic experts at My Auto Shop and let us get you moving again.